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Mourinho explains why he axed Rooney from Man Utd side

Jose Mourinho: Explains Wayne Rooney decision

Jose Mourinho admits Wayne Rooney dropped to the bench for Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal due to concerns over the player’s pace.

Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford started in attack as United dominated for large periods, only for Olivier Giroud to score late on to secure a 1-1 draw for Arsenal.

Rooney has been the centre of controversy over the past week after being pictured drunk while on international dutywith England, however Mourinho insists this had nothing to do with his decision to drop his captain.

“I thought we were going to have the ball. Arsenal are a team who let the opponents play,” Mourinho said.

“I thought we would have space and the ball would arrive quite easily to the attacking players.

“I believed ones like Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were faster than Wayne — better attacking opponents one-to-one in the last line. I thought it was the best option.”